- Esther Johanson
Esther M. Johanson passed away March 11, 2009, at St. John’s Lutheran Nursing Home in Billings.
She was born in Ambrose, N.D., Nov. 17, 1916, one of four children to Ellen and Ole Bredevein of
Fortuna, N.D. Esther married Harold Johanson, Feb. 11, 1936. They raised two children: a son, Lyle,
and a daughter, Marlene Popp.
Esther and her husband lived on a farm south of Westby, where they raised Hereford cattle and
various crops, such as wheat, oats and barley.
Mom was a wonderful cook and an avid gardener. When she and Harold moved to Westby, they still
grew a huge garden and everyone had plenty! Esther worked for many years as a cook at the
Westby Cafe. She always got the job of making potato and macaroni salad. There was quite a
demand for that, as well as taking salads or homemade bread and buns to various church
functions. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby.
Esther and her husband celebrated their 65th anniversary on Feb. 11, 2001, at the Pioneer Manor in Plentywood, at which her daughter
Marlene and husband Alec Popp of Billings had a party for them. It was Harold’s birthday on that same day. Alec played music for their
special day, and cake and coffee was served. A couple of weeks after that, Esther lost her partner.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; two sisters, Clara Thomte and Orlyn Cummings; brother Delmer
Bredevein of Westby; and a son, Lyle, of Westby.
She is survived by her daughter, Marlene (Alec) Popp of Billings; grandson Keith (Kathe) Bennett of Polson; granddaughters, Sherry (RT)
Myers of Acton, Deborah (Charles) Davidson of Billings and Tracy Johanson of Westby; and great-grandchildren, Bobby Myers, Bryce and
Bryn Bennett, and Chris and Devon Davidson.
Much praise goes to the dedicated staff at St. John’s Nursing Home. Also to the RNs, Mitzi, Wanda, Mike, Carol W., Denise and Diane,
and also to the numerous CNAs who cared for and loved my mother. Becky Buchanan was there with her caring ways to help make life
look brighter on days when they seemed rather dim.
Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby. Interment was at the Daneville
Cemetery, in Divide County North Dakota southeast of Westby. Casketbearers were Allan Ekness, Dennis Kittelson, R.T. Meyers, Danny
Moore, Jim Weiler and Richard Westgaard; ushers were Ray Moran and Dale Olson. All the staff and residents of St. John's Lutheran
Home in Billings are regarded as Honorary Bearers.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood was in charge of the services.
| . . . . in Memory of . . . . |
| 1916 - 2009 |
Remembering Esther